Inverness actress shortlisted for Scot of the Year

Written byBy Andy Dixon

Karen Gillan

INVERNESS actress Karen Gillan has been shortlisted as Scot of the Year 2011 by a charity.

The television star has tough competition from First Minister Alex Salmond and top tennis player Andy Murray in the contest run by ScotsCare, the charity for Scots in London who are in need, hardship or distress.

Votes can be cast at the charity’s website and the winner will be announced on 25th January — Burns’ Night.

Texas star Ally McErlaine is leading the votes in recognition of his remarkable recovery from a life threatening brain haemorrhage and coming back with a European tour with the Scots band.

He is closely followed by Mr Salmond who was recently announced ‘Briton of the Year’ in a national newspaper.

JK Rowling, Rickie Burns, Craig Levein and Gordon Ramsay were amongst the nominees who failed to make the shortlist.

The award has been won previously by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, singer Susan Boyle and actor Gerard Butler.

The full list and reason for being shortlisted is as follows:

Karen Gillan — For her continued success defying time as Amy Pond in Doctor Who.

Andy Murray — For finishing the year on a high at number four in the world.

Lynne Ramsey — For the critically acclaimed film ‘Let’s Talk about Kevin’.

Gerry Rafferty (posthumous) — For creating a timeless soundtrack.

Ally McErlaine — For his remarkable recovery to complete a European tour with Texas.